Cultural and Wildlife Experience in Uganda

16 Days

Overview

Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through Uganda, a land rich in culture and natural beauty. The adventure begins with an exploration of cultural heritage in Kampala, moving through various historically significant sites. Venture into the wilderness with visits to Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, renowned for their diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, and buffaloes. Traverse the scenic Kigezi Highlands on your way to the unforgettable experience of gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, immerse yourself in local communities, learning about traditional ways of life, crafts, and dances. From the equatorial wonders to the craft markets of Kampala, this itinerary offers a profound mix of Uganda’s cultural and natural treasures, culminating in a farewell transfer to the airport on Day 16. Experience Uganda in all its multifaceted glory, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival and Hotel Check-In

  • Land at Entebbe International Airport and be welcomed by our Safari guide.
  • Receive a brief orientation during your transfer to your chosen hotel.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel (dependent on your time of arrival).

Day 2 – Discovering Buganda's Cultural Legacy in Kampala

  • Embark on the Kabaka’s Cultural Trail to delve into the rich heritage of the Buganda Kingdom.
    • Kabaka’s Lake: A man-made lake created in honor of a former Kabaka (king) of Buganda.
    • Kasubi Tombs: The resting place of four former Buganda kings.
    • Naggalabi Buddo Coronation Site: The historic location where the kings of Buganda are crowned.
    • Katareke Prison: A historical prison where lawbreakers were confined and punished by the Kabaka.
    • Wamala King’s Tombs: The burial place of King Wamala, often visited for cultural rituals.
    • Nnamasole Kanyange Tombs: A tomb commemorating the eternal bond between a mother and her son.
    • Nnamasole Baagalayaze Tombs and Cultural Centre: A hub for cultural learning, celebration, and hope.
  • Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3 – Journey to Murchison Falls with a Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

  • Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before leaving Kampala.
  • Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to participate in rhino tracking.
  • Enjoy lunch in Masindi before heading to Murchison Falls National Park.
  • Make a brief stop at the Bomu Women’s Group to engage in a community walk and learn about local culture.
  • Continue your journey to the park, spotting birds, monkeys, and baboons along the way.

Day 4 – Wildlife Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

  • Begin your day with warm tea or coffee before heading to the northern bank for a morning game drive.
  • Look out for an array of wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and more.
  • Return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on a three-hour boat cruise on the Nile River.
  • Cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls, sighting hippos, crocodiles, and other animals along the riverbanks. Optional hike to the top of the falls available.
  • Head back to your lodge for a relaxing evening, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5 – From Murchison Falls to Hoima: A Cultural Journey

  • After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls before setting off for Hoima.
  • Traverse the Albertine Escarpment of the Western Rift Valley, enjoying views of lush landscapes and traditional homesteads.
  • Have lunch at the Hoima Kolping Hotel.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s cultural and historical landmarks, including former kings’ palaces and burial grounds.
  • Return to your accommodation for a laid-back evening, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 6 – Hoima to Fort Portal - A Cultural Odyssey

  • Start your day with a satisfying breakfast before setting off for Fort Portal, where you’ll arrive in time for lunch.
  • After lunch, visit the Tooro Kingdom Palace, home to the world’s youngest-ever crowned king, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural and historical narrative.
  • Continue to the Amabere ga Nyinamwiru caves, famed for their twin waterfalls—one with cultural significance and the other with geological features like stalagmites and stalactites.
  • If time permits, round off the day with a visit to the region’s stunning crater lakes.
  • Return to your lodging for a relaxed evening, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7 – Fort Portal to Semliki Hot Springs and Pygmy Village

  • Enjoy an early breakfast and then make the 1-hour drive to Semliki National Park.
  • Visit the astounding male and female hot springs, where you’ll witness jets of hot water reaching up to two meters and pools of boiling water at 106°C. These natural wonders are often referred to as “natural boilers.”

Day 8 – Kibale Forest - Chimpanzee Tracking Expedition

  • Fuel up with an early morning breakfast and proceed to the Chimpanzee tracking information office for a briefing led by ranger guides.
  • Embark on a 4-to-5-hour trek through the lush Kibale Forest in search of elusive chimpanzees. The forest also serves as a habitat for other primates like L’Hoest’s, Red-Colobus, Blue Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys, and Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, along with a variety of birds and butterflies.
  • Return to the Primate Lodge for lunch.
  • In the afternoon, participate in a swamp/community walk to KAFRED, a local community initiative in Bigodi. This presents another chance for primate and bird watching, as well as an opportunity to interact with the local community.
  • Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your lodging.

Day 9 – Kibale to Kasese – A Taste of Rwenzururu Culture

  • Enjoy breakfast and transfer to Kasese, the heart of the Rwenzururu Kingdom.
  • Here, visit the royal residence Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu for an enriching cultural experience.
  • Lunch will be served at Margherita Hotel, followed by a guided tour of Kasese town.
  • Spend a relaxed evening at your accommodation, where dinner will be served and you’ll stay overnight.

Day 10 – Kasese & Ruboni Community Visit - On to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • After an early breakfast, explore the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains with the Ruboni community group.
  • Experience guided tours of various local initiatives and enjoy cultural performances.
  • Post-lunch, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll have an en-route game drive before reaching your lodge for the evening.
  • Unwind at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

Day 11 – Queen Elizabeth National Park - Wildlife Exploration

  • Start your day with a warm-up tea or coffee before embarking on a game drive along the Kasenyi tracks and Queen’s Mile.
  • Keep an eye out for an array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cape buffalos, warthogs, spotted hyenas, mongooses, waterbucks, and Uganda kobs. With luck, you might even spot a leopard.
  • Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast and relax until lunchtime.
  • In the afternoon, take a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a haven for photography, bird-watching, and up-close game viewing. With over 550 recorded resident bird species, this is a bird-lover’s paradise.
  • Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12 – From Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi's Gorilla Haven

  • After breakfast, set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, packing a lunch for the journey.
  • En route, explore the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, during a game drive.
  • Continue through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” before reaching your lodge.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 13 – Gorilla Tracking Adventure

  • Begin your day early with breakfast, followed by a transfer to the gorilla tracking information office for a pre-briefing by ranger guides.
  • Embark on a thrilling trek through the dense rainforest to observe our fascinating relatives, the gorillas. Their shy and peaceful nature makes watching and photographing them an experience to cherish.
  • After this unforgettable encounter, return to your lodge for lunch (if not packed) and, if time permits, opt for a community/nature walk or a visit to the local Pygmy community. Here, you can optionally participate in traditional performances and dances.
  • If you prefer to relax after your gorilla adventure, spend the evening at leisure at your lodge, where dinner will be served and you’ll stay overnight.

Day 14 – Scenic Return to Kampala with Equator Stop

  • Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive back to Kampala.
  • Pause at the Equator for a simple, yet fascinating, experiment and to experience the balance of the tropics.
  • Upon arrival in Kampala, you’ll have the option to relax or shop for souvenirs.
  • Enjoy a culturally rich performance and dinner at the Ndere Centre, before transferring to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 15 – Kampala Crafts and City Tour

Spend the day exploring Kampala, focusing on craft shopping and a city tour.

Day 16 – Farewell Uganda - Airport Transfer

Today marks the end of your journey. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

Note: The itinerary is subject to changes due to weather conditions, project availability, or other unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for choosing to make a difference in Uganda; we look forward to facilitating an enriching experience!

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